Imtarfa vs Rabat
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Living in Imtarfa
Imtarfa is a tiny village perched on a ridge between Rabat and Mdina — one of Malta's smallest localities with a distinct identity shaped by its military heritage. The British built a military hospital and barracks here during the colonial period, and the Royal Navy insignia can still be seen carved into the stonework of old military buildings. The village sits on a narrow ridge with views across two valleys — toward Rabat on one side and toward Dingli on the other. The ridge position makes Imtarfa one of the breeziest and coolest spots on Malta, a small but meaningful advantage during the humid summer months. The village centre has a church, a small square, and a handful of streets of traditional houses. Property in Imtarfa is very affordable, and the village's tiny size means properties rarely come up for sale. When they do, they offer traditional houses with views at prices far below the coast. The proximity to Rabat and Mdina provides access to amenities while maintaining rural quiet.
Highlights
- Ridge position between two valleys with panoramic views
- British military hospital and barracks heritage
- One of Malta's coolest and breeziest locations
- Very affordable traditional houses
- Walking distance to Rabat and Mdina
Living in Rabat
Rabat is Mdina's neighbour — where the Silent City's walls end, Rabat begins. But where Mdina is a museum piece, Rabat is a living town. The name means 'suburb' in Arabic, a reference to its origins as the residential quarter outside the old capital's walls. Today it's one of Malta's most characterful towns, with a mix of historic architecture, traditional village life, and a growing food scene that draws Maltese from across the island. The town is built on top of a network of catacombs — underground burial chambers dating back to Roman times. St. Paul's Catacombs, where the apostle is said to have sheltered after his shipwreck on Malta, are the most famous, but there are several sites open to visitors. Above ground, Rabat's narrow streets hide grand palazzos, wayside chapels, and the Domus Romana, a reconstructed Roman townhouse with some of the finest mosaics in the Mediterranean. Rabat offers a different pace of life from the coastal towns. Property is more affordable, streets are quieter, and there's a genuine village atmosphere that's disappearing from much of Malta. The trade-off is distance — Rabat sits inland, and reaching Sliema or Valletta takes 25–30 minutes by car. For some, that distance is exactly the point.
Highlights
- St. Paul's Catacombs — underground Roman burial chambers
- Adjacent to Mdina's city walls
- Growing restaurant and cafe scene
- More affordable property than coastal Malta
- Authentic Maltese village atmosphere